Rhine Wine Festival, Lightning Night & Moselle River Cruise
Live entertainment & free drinks every night. From £75pp deposit
8days from
£1,999*per person
Overview
Join us on this exclusive, fun and friendly cruise on board the four-star MS Verdi, taking-in the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Boppard wine festival and the ‘Lightning Night on the Middle Rhine’ fireworks display. Enjoy visits to Cologne, Andernach, Cochem, Koblenz, Rüdesheim and Boppard, delicious food, free Drinks and entertainment hosted by Keith Slater and Nancy Ann Lee - Little Miss Sixties, both regular performers at our legendary UK party breaks.
In Boppard, the magnificent wine festival celebrates the grape harvest with wine grower tastings and entertainment. In the evening marvel at the ‘Lightning Night on the Middle Rhine’ fireworks display and flotilla of illuminated riverboats which can be enjoyed from the promenade or on-board the MS Otello.
In Boppard, the magnificent wine festival celebrates the grape harvest with wine grower tastings and entertainment. In the evening marvel at the ‘Lightning Night on the Middle Rhine’ fireworks display and flotilla of illuminated riverboats which can be enjoyed from the promenade or on-board the MS Otello.
Itinerary
- Depart London St Pancras in the morning on Eurostar to Brussels, arriving in just over 2 hours. Continue by coach to Cologne and the MS Verdi. Alternatively travel to and from Cologne by air from regional UK airports – see flight information and options. Time to settle into your cabin before dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Cologne.
- Early morning we begin our cruise to Andernach, a quiet riverside town with winding streets and historic architecture. Explore on your own or join our optional guided walking tour. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Andernach.
- Early morning we continue along the Rhine to Koblenz where we enter the tranquil Moselle river with rolling vineyards and lush greenery. Arriving in Cochem early to mid-afternoon there is time to explore on your own or joinour optional walking tour with wine tasting – try 5 wines of this unique region. Wine tasting only also available. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Cochem.
- Early morning we cruise back to Koblenz arriving early afternoon. You will be free to explore on your own, we recommend taking the cable car over the Rhine to the imposing Ehrenbreitstein fortress, or join our optional walking tour of the town. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Koblenz.
- This morning we sail through the Middle Rhine passing countless castles, fortresses and sleepy hamlets in the narrowest and deepest part of the river, marked by the legendary Lorelei Rock, arriving in Rüdesheim mid-afternoon. Our optional 2-hour guided town walk includes the cable car to the Niederwald Monument. Alternatively, our optional tour by land train takes us from the ship through the vineyards and town to the famous Drosselgasse – a unique cobbled lane just 144 metres long, packed with bars, restaurants and live music – to enjoy a delicious Rüdesheimer Kaffee made with local Asbach brandy. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Rüdesheim.
- Early morning we sail back through the middle Rhine to Boppard arriving early afternoon. The town’s treasures include romantic squares, small lanes and the Rhine Allee (Riverside Promenade), filled with trees and flowers. Enjoy one of the highlights of the year in Boppard, the Wine Festival in the market square, with various wine stands for wine-tasting, music and entertainment. Tonight is the highlight of the cruise as we enjoy the Lightning Night on the Middle Rhine when the night sky erupts into a million stars with a spectacular fireworks display. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Boppard.
- We sail from Boppard in the early morning enjoying a relaxing day on board, before arriving in Cologne early afternoon. Time perhaps to visit the magnificent gothic Cathedral before a farewell dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Cologne.
- After Breakfast we disembark and transfer by coach to Brussels where we take the Eurostar to London St Pancras arriving during the afternoon. Or, transfer to Cologne airport for your flight back to the UK. Note: Order and times of events and excursions may be subject to change.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Free drinks
- Live entertainment every night
- ‘Lightning Night on the Middle Rhine’ fireworks display
- Full-board cruise on the four-star MS Verdi
Our Price Includes
- Escorted return rail travel from London St Pancras to Brussels and coach transfer to Cologne or return flights with luggage to Cologne (supplement may apply) – see below
- Seven nights' four-star full-board plus cruise accommodation on board MS Verdi sharing a main deck rear cabin – single cabins and upgrades available
- Beer, wine & soft drinks served at lunch and dinner and from 6pm to Midnight at the bar, Afternoon coffee/tea and pastries, breakfasts, three-course lunches, four-course dinners, late night snacks, five-course Captain’s dinner
- Entertainment
- Transfers abroad
- Services of a cruise director and host on board
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Dates and Prices
Ship Information
Cruise Overview
The four-star MS Verdi. Built in 2015 and formally known as The MS Monarch Empress, she accommodates up to 122 guests in 70 spacious cabins 56 of which have French Balconies. The impressive Reception on the Upper Deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with easy chairs, great views from large picture windows, and a dance floor. At the rear of the deck there is a second smaller lounge and library. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and an area which is partly covered with wind protection so suitable for all weathers.Cabin Details
On the Upper Deck you’ll find suites (210 sq ft), standard rear cabins (150 sq ft) or the more spacious 170 sq ft standard cabins. All standard cabins are available as double, twin or single. On this deck all cabins have French Balconies**. On the Middle Deck available are rear standard (150 sq ft), larger (170 sq ft) standard cabins and (210 sq ft) suites. All standard cabins are available as double, twin or single. On this deck all cabins have French Balconies**. On the Lower Deck you find double and single (140 sq ft cabins) all with double or twin beds. All cabins on this deck have picture windows.Dining Details
The restaurant is on the Middle Deck features large picture windows and is light and airy with modern decor, furnishings and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, three course lunches and four course dinners.Activities Details
The impressive Reception on the Upper Deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with easy chairs, great views from large picture windows, and a dance floor. At the rear of the deck there is a second smaller lounge and library. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and an area which is partly covered with wind protection so suitable for all weathers.Facilities
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.Deck 1
Deck 2
Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Deck 8
Other Information
Optional Excursions
• Andernach guided walk 1.5hrs £19pp
• Cochem Walking tour & 5 Wine tasting 2.5hrs £40pp
OR Cochem 5 wine tasting 1hr £29pp
• Koblenz guided walk 2hrs £19pp
• Rüdesheim Highlights – land train tour to Drosselgasse & Rüdesheimer Kaffee 1.5hrs £40pp
OR Rüdesheim guided walk & cable car to Niederwald Monument – 2hrs £39pp
Excursions must be booked prior to departure. 20% excursion discount when you pre-book 1 in every town above. All operate subject to minimum numbers.
Entertainment:
Nancy Ann Lee is best known as “Little Miss Sixties” where she has received rave reviews for being one of the liveliest tributes to the 60s divas including Lulu whose songs make a huge contribution to the show. Remember Shout, Relight My Fire, Teardrops, The Man Who Sold the World, To Sir With Love and more.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Payment Terms
£75pp deposit if travelling by rail
£200pp deposit if travelling by air
Balance payment 12 weeks before departure.
Flights
Flights are currently possible from Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester & Edinburgh airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 2 hours.
• Transfer time Cologne Airport to ship around 30 mins each way subject to traffic.
• Andernach guided walk 1.5hrs £19pp
• Cochem Walking tour & 5 Wine tasting 2.5hrs £40pp
OR Cochem 5 wine tasting 1hr £29pp
• Koblenz guided walk 2hrs £19pp
• Rüdesheim Highlights – land train tour to Drosselgasse & Rüdesheimer Kaffee 1.5hrs £40pp
OR Rüdesheim guided walk & cable car to Niederwald Monument – 2hrs £39pp
Excursions must be booked prior to departure. 20% excursion discount when you pre-book 1 in every town above. All operate subject to minimum numbers.
Entertainment:
Nancy Ann Lee is best known as “Little Miss Sixties” where she has received rave reviews for being one of the liveliest tributes to the 60s divas including Lulu whose songs make a huge contribution to the show. Remember Shout, Relight My Fire, Teardrops, The Man Who Sold the World, To Sir With Love and more.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Payment Terms
£75pp deposit if travelling by rail
£200pp deposit if travelling by air
Balance payment 12 weeks before departure.
Flights
Flights are currently possible from Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester & Edinburgh airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 2 hours.
• Transfer time Cologne Airport to ship around 30 mins each way subject to traffic.
Holiday code
GN276Holiday provided by GN Holidays & Voyages
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by GN Voyages (ABTA Y0291, ATOL 9362). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a GN Voyages holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.